The playoffs may not yet have started, but for those clubs that won their league, gained over 100 points and went 29 games unbeaten, the summer’s transfer rumour mill is already in full swing.
That team, of course, are Lincoln City and they are already being linked with a multitude of players. At The Restricted View, we have already explored those from the Championship who are out of contract and five potential loan signings, and now we take a look at those who could be on City’s radar from the players they came up against during their record-breaking season.
Archie Collins – Peterborough United
Midfielder Archie Collins has been released by Peterborough United after three years at the club, meaning he would be available on a free transfer to any potential suitors.
The 26-year-old is accomplished in possession, completing 84% of his passes, completing 22 dribbles, and only losing possession on 48 occasions.
Defensively, Collins has won over 60% of his duels and aerial duels, blocked 32 shots and made over 200 defensive recoveries, showcasing his importance to his side.
As he approaches the age many see as the prime for a player in his position, Collins is unlikely to be short of interested parties, and his signature could be quite the start to the summer of recruitment for the Imps.
Bim Pepple – Plymouth Argyle
Bim Pepple has already been linked with Lincoln City among many others, after his manager revealed his contract contains a release clause. The forward’s return of 18 goals in all competitions is said to have alerted the likes of Norwich City, Rangers and Celtic – a clear sign of who the Imps will be competing against for talent this summer.
Pepple signed for Argyle from Luton Town last summer and is a striker who takes his chances, with 16 league goals from an xG of just over 12, and has the attributes that would complement this Lincoln City side. The 23-year-old is a powerful but mobile striker who could yet find himself featuring in this summer’s World Cup, after receiving a call-up for the recent Canada squad that faced Iceland and Tunisia, although he didn’t take to the field.
The size of the release fee is unknown, but the interest from the established Championship side and Scotland’s largest clubs is likely to take the wages beyond the level that can be achieved by the Imps.
According to Capology, for example, former City striker Jovon Makama earns £7,500 at Carrow Road, a figure that is likely to be just a starting point for the calibre of player Lincoln will be trying to attract this summer. With interest from Scotland, Norwich and several other second-tier sides, it is easy to suggest that Pepple could find himself signing a contract of five figures per week.
Jayden Wareham – Exeter City
Wareham could well be classed as that slightly juxtaposed position of defensive forward, due to his goalscoring exploits and the work he does out of possession.
The former Reading striker has helped himself to 19 League One goals, placing him as one of the division’s top scorers despite his side suffering relegation to League Two. That relegation could pave the way for Wareham’s exit.
Aside from his goalscoring, the 22-year-old has contributed close to 100 defensive actions, 44 tackles and seven interceptions. His successful personal season in the face of his club’s struggles, FOTMOB have Wareham’s value topping the £800,000 mark, and it will be interesting to see whether that would make the Imps think twice.
Owen Bailey – Doncaster Rovers
Another midfielder who has had the best season of his career is Doncaster man Owen Bailey, who has found the net 16 times in all competitions this season and has provided a further six assists.
Rovers have had a steady season on their return to the third tier, with the Newcastle-born man playing a key role in that, both in attack and defence.
Bailey is reaching those prime years for a midfielder and has demonstrated his robustness this season, competing in all 46 of Doncaster’s League One matches. He has never played higher than League One in the professional game, so could this be his chance to make the step up to the next level?
Harvey White – Stevenage
Harvey White is a slightly younger option than the previous midfielder option, Bailey, and he could yet be joining the Imps in the Championship as he prepares for the playoffs with Stevenage.
White offers versatility in midfield, being able to play the defensive role as well as further forward, and has created a huge 77 chances for his teammates so far this season.
The 24-year-old joined Stevenage from Tottenham Hotspur in 2023 after experiencing League One on loan with Portsmouth and Derby County during his spell with the Londoners.
With six goals and seven assists in all competitions, White has enjoyed the best season of his young career to date and will be looking to top it off with promotion. If that doesn’t happen, his signature is one the Imps could well be in the hunt for to bolster their own midfield options.